Victorian 14K Seed Pearls Onyx Mourning Pin

From the late 1900s, this Victorian mourning pin has a round of black onyx encased in a pretty, finely embossed 14k gold border. In the center is a bunch of three tulip-like flowers each set with a gray split pearl. The onyx is drilled and the flowers are attached by a grommet. The flowers, rim, C-clasp, and bail are solid 14k gold (tested). The tubular hinged pin stem is not gold and the cross piece supporting the hinge is gold plated. The small loop or bail at the bottom was probably for suspending a pendant or a watch.

The natural pearls are a glowing gray color and 3.5mm diameter. The brooch is 1 1/4"(30mm) diameter and 7mm thick. Weight is 10.3 grams. At some point, someone used a little glue on the back attachment for the flowers, probably to keep them from rotating. The onyx is still mirror glossy and the pearls have no peeling.